Many people look forward to spring and summer, unless you suffer from asthma or allergies. Dealing with outdoor allergies is to be expected, especially when the temperatures begin to rise and everything starts to bloom, but you probably don’t want to go through that same grief inside of your home. You may not be aware, but your clean house might still be contributing to your allergies. Don’t let yourself or your loved ones fall victim to home allergies. Instead, follow these tips to allergy-proof your home and stop home allergies from controlling your household.

Get Rid of Clutter

If you weren’t going to do a serious spring cleaning of items in your home, you may want to reconsider. The more stuff you have lying around, the more places dust and other allergens can hide. This could be causing your home allergies to worsen. Do away with items that you no longer have a use for, and put miscellaneous objects such as books, children’s toys and extra clothing in plastic totes with lids in storage.

Remove Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Although fully-carpeted rooms are cozy on our feet, they are also accommodating places for allergens. Dust, pollen and pet dander accumulate within carpet and the allergens are released into the air when you walk across it. If possible, consider investing in a type of impervious flooring and use smaller, low-pile area rugs that don’t accumulate as many allergens. If you choose to keep your wall-to-wall carpeting, be sure to vacuum at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters trap harmful particles and irritating allergens so they cannot re-circulate into the air. You should also have your carpeted rooms professionally cleaned at least once a year to lift out dirt and allergens that get trapped deep within the fibers.

Cover Mattresses and Bedding

Invest in hypoallergenic protectors for your mattress and pillows. These protectors go underneath your sheets and cover your mattress and pillows, protecting against allergens, dust mites and bacteria that can cause your allergies to flare up. You can purchase mattress and pillow protectors from just about any home store and most are also waterproof, protecting against perspiration. Not only will this help relieve your allergy symptoms and provide a good night’s sleep, but it can also help prolong the life of your mattress.

Change Your Air Filter

Your heating and cooling system plays a major role in the quality of air that is circulated throughout your home. The EPA estimates that indoor air can be up to five times more contaminated than outdoor air. Be sure to change your air filter at least once a month to help keep the air inside of your home free of allergens. Don’t forget that your air ducts can also be prime breeding grounds for dust mites, mold and other allergens. Plan to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every few years to ensure these allergens are not being forced through your vents when your HVAC unit is on.

Combat Mold

Mold is harmful to everyone, but it can be even more destructive for those with allergies. Frequently clean areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, refrigerators, sinks, cabinets and around windows. Regularly inspect the common areas of your home, both inside and outside, to ensure there are no leaks in piping or tears in siding that can cause mold to grow within your walls and out of sight. Combat any mold growth as soon as possible and consult a professional for larger areas.

Let Stanley Steemer of South Florida Help with Home Allergies

Stanley Steemer of South Florida is proud to offer an array of services that are certified asthma and allergy friendly. Our tile and grout, carpet, hardwood and air duct cleaning services meet the certification standards of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, so you can be sure you are left with a clean and healthy home. Our AAFA Certifications means that we remove up to 94% of common allergens from carpet, wood and tile floors that we clean. We also offer upholstery and furniture cleaning that can discourage the growth of allergens on your couches and other frequently-used furniture. If you’re ready to allergy-proof your home and would like a hand from the professionals, give us a call today at (888) 982-3553 or visit our website to learn more about our allergy-friendly services.